How to choose a car for your dog

Cars for dog owners

According to PMFA statistics 24% of UK households have a dog/dogs, so it only makes sense to think about what sort of car we need to ferry our furry friends around in. You are not short of choice for what sort of car is better suited to your pooch. Whether you are looking to get a fiat 500 for your little fido, or a range rover for your, well, large rover, the choice is huge. Let’s be honest here, in many cases the comfort of our pets comes before our family members, oh,…….. is that just me?

What to consider when getting a car right for your dog

Large boot space

Back seats which will fold down flat

Sun roof

Rear Lift Tail Gate

Attachments in the boot to secure crates from sliding

Barrier divider from the boot to the cabin

Extra underfloor storage

The law states that when travelling with a dog in your vehicle-

Rule 56 in the high way code states ‘Do not let a dog out on the road on its own. Keep it on a short lead when walking on the pavement, road or path shared with cyclists or horse riders.’

Rule 57 in the highway code when referring to your dog in your car whilst travelling ‘When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.’

Be careful, if you unfortunately have an accident and you have your dog in the car with you. You may come into difficulties with your insurance company if the dog was not restrained in any way.

Keeping your dog safe on a journey

Dog safety Harness

There are plenty of harnesses out there specifically for car travel, so worth shopping about.

Car guards / barriers

Again there are plenty of these on line, so if you have a larger breed of dog or a pack travelling with you then a barrier confiding them to a spacious boot could be the right answer for you.

Animal crates

These can be placed securely in the boot, and in many cases dogs actually prefer the security of their own crates.

Of course, the MOST important thing is that your dog is safe in the car whilst you are travelling.

Dog travelling tips-

leave time between feeding your dog and travelling with your dog to help minimise travel sickness